Bismarck and Mandan residents can expect sharply cooler temperatures and rain chances next week, though the first measurable snowfall for North Dakota is currently projected for northwestern parts of the state. Forecasters are signaling the potential for snow as early as Monday morning for some communities.
According to the National Weather Service, a warm and windy weekend is in store for the region before a sharp cold front moves in on Sunday. This front is expected to significantly drop high temperatures from the 70s to the 50s or even 40s by Sunday. Overnight lows are anticipated to be "flirting with freezing," with rain chances mixing into the forecast. This combination of colder temperatures and rain could lead to the season's first flakes elsewhere in the state.
Whispers suggest the first measurable snow for North Dakota could occur early next week. For snow to be considered "measurable," only a 1/10 of an inch is required. While October snow in North Dakota is certainly not uncommon, this marks the first significant cold snap of the season with snow potential. Residents may recall the October 2019 event, which dropped about 17 inches of snow in Bismarck-Mandan and over 30 inches in some other parts of the state, coinciding with the pheasant opener. The pheasant opener is also scheduled for this upcoming weekend.
Long-range forecasts from local weather observers also point to snow possibilities. Both the Bismarck Bubble and Valley News Live - TV Weatherman Hutch Johnson have included mentions of snow in their long-range outlooks. Specifically, Hutch Johnson noted that the North American Model indicates snow for the oil patch areas of northwest North Dakota on Monday morning. Communities such as Williston, Crosby, and Stanley are among those that could wake up to snow early next week, based on this model.
However, the Capital Region, including Bismarck and Mandan, is expected to remain snow-free next week. Residents should prepare for sharply cooler temperatures in the 50s, accompanied by a couple of rain chances. While Bismarck-Mandan is anticipated to avoid the first flakes this time, local observers caution that winter weather is definitely on its way.
